Introduction to Cable Glands
Cable glands are essential components in electrical installations, providing secure cable entry, strain relief, and environmental sealing. Choosing the right cable gland ensures proper protection and compliance with safety standards.
Key Selection Criteria
1. Cable Outer Diameter
The most critical factor is matching the gland size to your cable's outer diameter. Cable glands are designed for specific OD ranges. Always check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure proper sealing.
2. Material Selection
- Brass: Most common choice, excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for indoor and outdoor use
- Stainless Steel (SS316): For marine, chemical, and highly corrosive environments
- Nylon/Polyamide: Lightweight, non-conductive, good for general indoor applications
3. IP Rating
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings indicate protection against dust and water:
- IP66: Dust tight, protection against powerful water jets
- IP68: Dust tight, suitable for continuous submersion
4. Thread Type
Common thread standards include:
- Metric (M): M16, M20, M25, M32, M40, M50, M63
- PG: PG7, PG9, PG11, PG13.5, PG16, PG21, PG29
- NPT: American standard, commonly used in oil & gas
5. Hazardous Area Requirements
For explosive atmospheres, choose:
- Weather Proof: Standard applications with IP68 protection
- Flame Proof (Ex d): For Zone 1 & 2 hazardous areas
- Increased Safety (Ex e): Enhanced protection against ignition
Installation Best Practices
- Measure cable OD accurately before ordering
- Use proper sealing washers and locknuts
- Tighten to manufacturer's torque specifications
- Verify seal integrity after installation
Dowell's Cable Gland Range
Pride Electrical stocks the complete range of Dowell's cable glands including:
- Brass Double Compression glands (Weather Proof & Flame Proof)
- SS316 glands for marine applications
- Nylon cable glands for lightweight applications
Contact our team for assistance in selecting the right cable glands for your project.
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#cable glands#IP rating#hazardous areas#installation guide